Most high school activities end after your senior year and you let them slip into the past. This is good, a part of growing up and making a new way in the world. The first few years post-high school help to define who you are in adulthood and part of that is leaving behind parts of who you were in high school. There is one thing from high school that I have continued to cling to and here's a little peek into why I'm glad I have.
The FFA is a national organization, in fact, it's the largest youth organization in the country. The FFA Mission reads:
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
I was involved in FFA for all four years of high school. Through FFA I made lifelong friends, learned skills that will help me in any future career, found my passion, and began to see how I truly could bring about change in my community.
When I graduated high school, the thing I was most sad to leave behind was the FFA. I wasn't ready to let go of something that had helped me to learn and grow so much. So instead of leaving FFA in high school, I asked my advisors if there was anything I could do to help. I ended up getting to coach a Career Development Event, which is what the competitions are called. This is one small way that I am able to help continue to pass on the skills I learned in FFA and to serve the members who are now involved in this organization that I love.
I spent part of this last week at my state's State FFA Convention coaching a Career Development Event (CDE) and judging other CDEs. I got to see younger members experiencing their first convention, see the leadership of the older members, and be a part of their FFA experience. I loved convention while I was a member, but I think I might love it even more now. Being able to see others experience something you've held dear to your heart is one of the coolest things.
If you're an FFA member who's getting ready to graduate, I'd encourage you to find out how you can give back to this organization. Whether it's helping members learn to show their animals before your county fair, volunteering to help with fundraisers, coaching a CDE, or joining the alumni association, be involved. FFA is a program that is so important to shaping the future of agriculture and students. Your advisor(s) work tirelessly to help students grow, so find out how you can help them in return. The last line of the FFA Motto is "Living to Serve" and that doesn't have to end just because you've graduated.
Almost every FFA member knows the first line of the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany, "I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds." Are your deeds still reflecting that belief? What are you doing to help raise up the next generation of agriculturists? Everyone can play a role in promoting agriculture and agricultural education, so find yours.
The FFA leaves its mark on every member, but that impact can continue. Live out your passion, continue to make a difference in your home and community, and always remain "Forever Blue".
